Warm, bright days in Oxford conjure up images of students punting in straw boaters, cricket in Christchurch Meadow and Pimm’s outside the King’s Arms, all iconic images but not necessarily what you’ll find on a day trip to the city. In the summer month’s the city is packed with tourist groups clammering to see the Harry Potter filming sites. However, if you’re looking for something quintessentially Oxford but just off the beaten track, this super chilled day trip has you covered.
Coffee & cake Society Cafe on St Micheals Street, Oxford is a great place to start.
Explore colourful Oriel Street, a narrow lane leading to the cobbles of Merton Street which runs parallel to the High Street and offers a quieter alternative to the main road.
Down at the east end of Merton Street the lane curves round to meet back with the High Street, and just by Magdalen Bridge you’ll discover The Oxford Botanic Gardens. Sit a while in the orangery, take a picnic, relax on the lawns and immerse yourself at the weird and wonderful plants in the glasshouses.
Across the road from the Botanic Garden is Magdalen College, which looks beautiful at this time of year with it’s borders of Annabelles and cool quiet cloisters, perfect for getting away from the queues and crowds at Christchurch College.
Explore the gardens at Magdalen, seek out the deer park and rest in the waterside cafe, a great spot for watching novices grapple with the punts and rowing boats under the bridge.
This little Oxford tour makes a perfect relaxed day trip to the city and leaves enough time to check out a few Oxford independent cafes and shops too. You can find out directory of Oxford indies here to help you plan your trip.
If you fancy joining us for a Oxford wander, you can find out about our next Oxford Instameet here.
Enjoy Oxford this summer!
Rosie
xxx
